Al-Tabtabaee: Scouting is an educational partner in building youth and fostering initiative and teamwork

Minister of Education M. Syed Jalal Al-Tabtabaee stated that the Scout Movement, since its inception, has constituted an important field in shaping youth, equipping them with skills, and fostering a spirit of initiative, teamwork, and community service.

Minister Al-Tabtabaee added in a speech during the launch of the conference “The Scout Movement Between Volunteering and Economic Activity,” organized by the Kuwait Scout Association under his patronage, that the Scout Movement is called upon today to continue its role and develop its tools in a manner that keeps pace with changes and ensures the sustainability of its mission.

He clarified that the conference, running until October 7, in collaboration with the Arab Scout Parliamentarians Union and the Arab Pioneers Union, aims to address an important topic concerning the future and sustainability of scouting work. It opens the floor for participating leaders and experts to exchange views and experiences on ways to develop scouting activities and enhance their resources, thereby preserving the core of its voluntary, educational, and humanitarian mission and strengthening its role in serving youth and society.

He noted, “In the State of Kuwait, we view the Scout Movement as a crucial educational partner in building the personalities of our sons and daughters, given the practical environment it provides where youth learn leadership, discipline, teamwork, initiative, self-reliance, and community service.”

He added that, from this perspective, the Ministry of Education is keen on supporting scouting and student activities and enhancing their role in the educational environment, as they represent a genuine space for transforming values and knowledge into practice and behavior, discovering learners’ capabilities, nurturing their talents, and instilling values of citizenship, belonging, and volunteering.

He pointed out that the gathering of scouting leaders representing 36 countries transcends the scope of conference participation, serving as an international platform for dialogue, experience exchange, building new partnerships, and benefiting from successful experiences and practices in resource development, scouting institution management, youth empowerment, volunteering, and community partnerships.

Minister Al-Tabtabaee appreciated the efforts made by the Kuwait Scout Association and the entities participating in organizing the conference, emphasizing that the experiences and views presented by participants would enrich scouting work and lead to practical recommendations that support its sustainability and enhance its contribution to youth development and community service.

For his part, Dr. Abdullah Al-Tariqi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Scout Association, told KUNA that the convening of the conference with the participation of such a large number of scouting leaders represents an opportunity to exchange experiences and practices and explore new horizons for developing the Scout Movement and enhancing its capacity for continuity and growth, without compromising the core of its voluntary and educational mission.

Al-Tariqi added that the challenges facing scouting institutions necessitate a shift toward more innovative visions in resource management and the utilization of the human and organizational potential of the Scout Movement, contributing to the creation of sustainable sources that support programs and activities and expand the reach of beneficiaries.

He clarified that the conference seeks to open a specialized discussion on how to achieve a balance between preserving the voluntary nature of the Scout Movement and leveraging available economic and investment opportunities, alongside showcasing experiences and practices that can be built upon to develop Arab and international scouting institutions.

In his speech, Al-Tariqi announced that Kuwait has won the right to host the (World Pioneers Conference) scheduled for October 2027, making it the first Arab country to host this scouting conference. This reflects Kuwait’s status in the international scouting movement and confidence in its organizational capabilities, and constitutes an opportunity to enhance its presence on the global scouting stage and exchange experiences with scouting leaders and organizations.

Al-Tariqi expressed his appreciation for the patronage and attendance of the Minister of Education at the conference and his support for the Scout Movement, commending the participation of delegations and scouting leaders from 36 countries, whose diverse experiences and expertise enrich the conference sessions and themes.

It is worth noting that the conference “The Scout Movement Between Volunteering and Economic Activity” discusses, over its days, topics related to developing scouting work, enhancing the sustainability of its resources, and exchanging experiences and expertise among participating leaders, thereby supporting the role of the Scout Movement in youth development and community service while preserving its voluntary and educational mission.